Ballet Science
Ballet Science is a podcast hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., a former ballerina turned biomechanics researcher. Each episode brings science into the ballet studio, exploring the intersection of ballet, dance science, and human movement. Topics include injury prevention, biomechanics, strength, nutrition, mindset, and performance. The show aims to help dancers and anyone who moves perform and feel their best.
Episodes
How to Build a Successful Ballet Career | Caitlin Sloan of The Brainy Ballerina
What does it really take to build a successful career as a professional dancer? It's about more than technique, auditions, and getting hired.In this episode, I'm joined by Caitlin Sloan, founder of The Brainy Ballerina, to discuss how aspiring professional dancers can navigate the transition from training to a sustainable dance career.After nine years as a professional dancer, Caitlin now
How Ballet Can Support Cancer Recovery | Anna Wassman-Cox of Onco-Ballet
What happens when ballet becomes part of cancer recovery? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Anna Wassman-Cox, a former professional ballet dancer, two-time breast cancer survivor, and founder of Onco-Ballet.Anna shares her deeply personal experience of returning to the ballet barre during cancer treatment... and how ballet gave her a space to step away from the uncertain
Breast Cancer After Ballet: Finding Her Way Back to the Stage | Abigail Simon
What happens when a cancer diagnosis changes the body you've spent your entire life training?In this episode, I sit down with former professional ballet dancer Abigail Simon to talk about her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer after a career that included American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey, and Broadway.Abigail shares what it was like to go from preparing to return to dancing after ha
The Future of Pointe Training | Lynne Charles
Pointe training is one of the most demanding aspects of ballet... but are we teaching it in the most effective way?In this episode, I’m joined by Lynne Charles, former principal ballerina (Hamburg Ballet, Bejart Ballet Lausanne, Ballet National Roland Petit), teacher, ballet mistress, and the current Director of English National Ballet School. Lynne is also the founder and creator of 4Pointe, a so
Life After Ballet | Megan Fairchild on Retiring, Motherhood, and What Comes Next
What does it take to build a long, sustainable career in professional ballet... and what happens when that career comes to an end? In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Fairchild, former principal dancer with New York City Ballet. After an extraordinary career performing some of the most iconic works in the Balanchine and Robbins repertoire, Megan recently retired from NYCB and moved to France with
ENCORE: If You Can Do Ballet, You Can Do Anything | Dr. Miko Fogarty
What happens when an accomplished ballet dancer decides to leave the stage... and pursue medicine instead? In this Ballet Science Encore episode, I'm revisiting one of the most valuable conversations from the Ballet Science archives with Dr. Miko Fogarty, former professional ballet dancer and international competition winner who made an extraordinary transition from the stage to podiatric medicine
The Truth About Ballet Training: What Every Parent Needs To Know | Ballet Help Desk
Ballet training can be an exciting (but often complicated) journey for dancers and their families. In this episode, I’m joined by Brett and Jenny from Ballet Help Desk, who share insights from their experiences as ballet parents and from hearing directly from families navigating the dance world.We discuss the ballet training “arms race,” injury and recovery, pointe readiness, body image and nutrit
Why Ballet Foundations Matter: Building a Better Dancer | Darla Hoover
What does great ballet training look like... and how should dancers develop from their earliest classes through pre-professional training?In this episode, I’m joined by legendary ballet educator Darla Hoover (Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, School of American Ballet, New York City Ballet, Ballet Academy East) for a fascinating conversation about teaching ballet at every stage of a dancer’s deve
How Dancers Should Fuel: Nutrition Tips for Ballet | Rachel Fine, RDN
What should dancers eat before ballet class? How much should they be eating? What about carbohydrates, hydration, recovery, and snacks during long rehearsals?In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Fine, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, former professional dancer, and founder of The Healthy Dancer®. Rachel shares practical, evidence-based advice to help dancers properly fuel their training
Can Ballet Help After Breast Cancer? | What the Science Says
Can ballet support recovery after breast cancer? A new qualitative research study explored the experiences of women who participated in a 16-week classical ballet program after breast cancer treatment. Rather than measuring strength or flexibility alone, researchers asked a different question: What was the experience actually like?In this episode, I break down the study's five major themes, in
Is Losing Your Period "Normal" in Ballet? New Research Says...
Is it "normal" for ballet dancers to lose their periods? A new 2025 study of elite dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet found that 71% had experienced at least one menstrual cycle disorder during their careers. In this episode, we break down the research, discuss what these findings mean for dancers, and explain why menstrual health is about much more than fertility.If you're a ballet
Returning to Dance After Concussion at ABT | Courtney Shealy
Professional ballet dancers perform incredible athletic feats every day... but what happens when a head injury threatens their career? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Shealy, a professional dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), to discuss her journey from a young dancer in Florida to one of the world's premier ballet companies.Courtney also shares her recent experience recoverin
Encore: Strength Training for Male Ballet Dancers | Shane Wuerthner
Should male ballet dancers lift weights? Strength training has become increasingly common in the ballet world, but many dancers still worry that lifting weights will make them bulky, reduce flexibility, or negatively affect their technique.In this Ballet Science Encore episode, I'm revisiting one of the most valuable conversations from the Ballet Science archives with former professional balle
Ballet Retirement, Identity, and Career Transition | Aurora Dickie
Professional ballet careers are incredibly rewarding... but they are also short. What happens when the curtain finally closes?In this episode, I sit down with Aurora Dickie, soloist with Staatsballett Berlin and graduate student in dance science, to discuss one of the most important (and often overlooked) topics in ballet: preparing for life after a performing career.Aurora shares her journey from
Hypermobility & EDS in Ballet | Dr. Linda Bluestein
Can being too flexible actually increase your risk of injury?Many dancers are praised for their flexibility, but hypermobility isn't always an advantage. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Linda Bluestein, physician, former ballet dancer, and internationally recognized expert in hypermobility disorders, to discuss what every dancer, teacher, and parent should kn
The Reality of Professional Ballet | Kathryn Morgan
Kathryn Morgan is one of the most recognizable names in ballet education, but behind her successful career lies a story of resilience, advocacy, and overcoming a life-changing health diagnosis. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Kathryn shares her journey from New York City Ballet to becoming one of the world's leading online ballet educators. We discuss how thyroid disease affecte
What Happens Inside a Pointe Shoe? | PointeSense
Have you ever wondered what is actually happening inside a pointe shoe? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I sit down with Christine Fernandez and Kaitlyn Kumar, co-founders of PointeSense, a wearable technology designed to provide real-time feedback during pointe work.Using pressure sensors and motion tracking technology, PointeSense aims to help dancers, teachers, fitters, and health
Hypermobility in Ballet: Advantage or Injury Risk?
Can hypermobility help ballet dancers... or increase injury risk? In this episode, we explore the science of hypermobility and its role in ballet training. Learn the difference between flexibility and hypermobility, why hypermobile dancers are often drawn to ballet, how conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) fit into the conversation, and why strength and stability may be even more import
Dance and Menopause: What the Research Says
Can dance improve mental and physical health during menopause? In this episode, we explore a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of dance interventions on perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women.Researchers analyzed multiple studies involving dance styles such as Zumba, jazz dance, traditional cultural dances, sports dance, and dance movement therapy. The re
Why Ballet Dancers Customize Their Pointe Shoes
Why do ballerinas destroy brand new pointe shoes before dancing in them? In this episode, we explore the fascinating science, biomechanics, and artistry behind breaking in pointe shoes. From bending the shank and crushing the box to darning, rosin, jet glue, and sewing ribbons with dental floss, professional ballet dancers completely customize their shoes to match their feet and performance needs.
Pressure, Performance, & Training in Elite Ballet | Joy Womack
What is it really like to train at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world? In this video, I sit down with Joy Womack (the first American woman to graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy) to discuss the realities of elite ballet training, injury, mental health, body image, performance pressure, and the physical demands of professional dance. Joy shares her incredible journey from
The Science of Pirouettes
Have you ever watched a ballerina perform a flawless pirouette and wondered how it’s even possible? In this episode, we break down the fascinating physics behind ballet turns... from angular momentum and torque to spotting, balance, friction, and fouettés.You’ll learn how dancers use the same physical principles that govern figure skaters, tornadoes, and spinning planets to create speed, control,
The Science of Ballet Flexibility
Why are ballet dancers so flexible? Is it genetics… or training? In this video, we break down the real science behind flexibility. Learn how dancers develop incredible range of motion, why the nervous system plays such a major role in stretching, and how strength and flexibility work together in ballet training. This episode covers:The science of flexibilityStatic vs. dynamic flexibilityWhy dancer
Mental Fatigue in Ballet: What New Research Shows
What if one of the biggest predictors of injury in ballet isn’t weak ankles or poor technique... but your brain?In this episode, we dive into the science of mental fatigue in ballet dancers and how it impacts performance, learning, and injury risk. Based on recent research on professional ballet dancers, this episode explores how cognitive overload, choreography demands, and sustained focus contri
Why Ballet Is So Difficult: The Science Behind It
Ballet looks effortless... but if you’ve ever tried it, you know that’s far from the truth. So why is ballet so hard… and why is it harder than it looks? In this video, we break down the science behind ballet technique, including biomechanics, balance, motor control, and strength. From controlling your center of mass to managing a high cognitive load, ballet challenges both your body and your brai
The Physics of Pointe Work
How do ballet dancers balance on their toes in pointe shoes? Learn the science and anatomy of pointe work, including ballet biomechanics, pointe shoe mechanics, and how dancers safely balance their center of mass on their toes in ballet technique.If you’ve ever tried standing on your toes, you know it feels impossible. But the truth is, it’s not just strong feet or natural talent... it’s physics,
Dance & Autism: What the Research Shows
What if dance could do more than build technique… what if it could change how we connect with others? In this video, we break down scientific research examining how dance impacts individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We explore:Whether dance improves overall ASD symptomsThe powerful effects on social interaction and communicationWhy empathy did not significantly changeThe neuroscience b
Dance & Parkinson’s Disease: What the Research Shows
What if dance could actually help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their balance... and potentially reduce their risk of falling?In this episode, I break down one of my own research studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (612 participants) examining how dance impacts balance in Parkinson’s disease... and the results might surprise you.We’ll cover:W
Dance and Brain Aging: What the Research Shows
What if dance could actually change your brain? Not just how you feel... but how your brain functions over time. In this video we break down a systematic review and meta-analysis (one of the highest levels of scientific evidence) to answer a powerful question: Can dance improve cognitive function and help protect against decline as we age?We’ll cover:What the research says about memory, attention,
Foot Recovery for Ballet Dancers | Ance
What actually happens to your feet after a long day of ballet… and can recovery shoes really help? I sit down with Kunal Moudgil, co-founder of Ance Recovery Sneakers, to break down the science behind recovery footwear, and what it means for dancers.We talk about:What “recovery” actually means for the bodyWhy your feet feel so sore after class or rehearsalThe role of compression, acupressure, and
Why People Should Care About Ballet
Recently, a comment circulated online from actor Timothée Chalamet claiming that “no one cares about ballet.”Whether the remark was serious or joking, it sparked a lot of conversation in the dance world. Instead of debating the comment itself, this video asks a deeper question: Why should people care about ballet?When you look at ballet through the lenses of art, science, culture, and human moveme
Why Your Brain Loves Ballet: Neuroscience Of Dance
Have you ever left ballet class feeling mentally exhausted... even if it wasn’t the most physically intense class? That’s not random!In this episode, we discuss the neuroscience behind ballet training and why your brain thrives on it.We explore:How the motor cortex initiates every movementThe cerebellum’s role in balance and precisionHow the basal ganglia automate choreographyNeuroplasticity and m
Why Your Heart Loves Ballet: The Cardiovascular Science
What if ballet class is training more than your turnout?In this episode, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina and PhD in biomechanics) breaks down the cardiovascular physiology of ballet.We explore:What happens to your heart during barre, center, adagio, and allegroWhy ballet counts as intermittent cardiovascular trainingHow stroke volume and cardiac output adapt over timeWhy even
An Airline Pilot's Journey into Adult Ballet | Christopher Marici
A commercial airline pilot… and an adult ballet student!In today’s episode, I’m joined by Captain Christopher Marici to talk about his life in aviation, how he discovered adult ballet, and why he believes ballet is one of the most powerful long-term investments you can make for your body and brain.We discuss:What a pilot’s day-to-day is really likeThe mental load of the jobWhat it’s like to be a t
How Ballet Changes the Way You Walk: New Biomechanics Research
What if the way you walk down the street could reveal whether you trained in ballet?In this episode, I break down my published research from the journal Gait & Posture, examining how ballet training influences walking biomechanics across the lifespan.Read the full publication here:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2026.110097We compared:Young professional ballet dancersOlder recreational ball
Reinventing Ballet Slippers | Seth & Sarah Orza
What makes Orza ballet shoes different from a traditional ballet slipper?In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Seth and Sarah Orza (Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Ballet, School of American Ballet). After suffering an injury while dancing with New York City Ballet (NYCB), Seth Orza began adding padding to his ballet shoes to stay onstage. Noticing many dancers doing
Pilates For Ballet Dancers | Kerry Shea (School of American Ballet)
Pilates is everywhere in the dance world… but what actually makes it so effective for ballet dancers?In this episode, I’m joined by Kerry Shea, Pilates instructor at the School of American Ballet (NYC), to break down how Pilates supports alignment, core control, coordination, injury prevention, and performance... from young pre-professionals to seasoned pros.We cover:What is Pilates?What “the core
Bunions in Ballet Dancers: Causes & How To Manage Them
If you are a dancer, chances are you’ve been told you have a bunion, you’re going to get a bunion, or you’ve spent way too much time staring at your big toe, wondering if that bump is “normal.”In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, we take a biomechanics-based look at bunions in ballet dancers.You will learn:What is a bunion?Why are bunions so common in ballet dancers?The difference betwee
Starting Ballet As An Adult: Beginner Tips Backed by Science
Have you ever thought, “I’ve always wanted to try ballet, but I’m too old” ... or “I didn’t start as a kid, so what’s the point now?” This episode is for you.In this Ballet Science Podcast episode, former professional ballerina and biomechanics PhD Caroline Simpkins breaks down how to start ballet as an adult from a science-based, body-respectful perspective.We cover:📌 Why ballet is absolutely acc
Blisters in Ballet: Why They Happen & How to Prevent Them
Blisters are often treated like a rite of passage in ballet... but from a biomechanics perspective, they’re actually important feedback about how your foot is interacting with your shoe.If you’ve ever tried to dance with a painful blister, you know how much it can affect balance, confidence, and technique. Instead of just “toughing it out,” this episode helps dancers understand blisters as a modif
2025 Year in Review
In 2025, I released 31 episodes of the Ballet Science Podcast covering anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, performance psychology, strength training, and research on ballet across the lifespan.In this year-in-review episode, I connect the dots among interviews, anatomy deep dives, and research discussions to show how they fit together. Think of this episode as a guided tour of Ballet Science
Spine Anatomy For Dancers: Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can sound terrifying for dancers, but it is not a career-ender.In this final episode of the Ballet Science spine series, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina, PhD in biomechanics) breaks down what a herniated disc actually is, why it often develops gradually rather than from one dramatic movement, and (most importantly) why dancers can and do recover successfully.U
Spine Anatomy For Dancers: Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments
Your spine doesn’t move on its own. An entire team of muscles, tendons, and ligaments makes ballet possible, and most dancers are only using half of them.In Part 2 of the Ballet Science spine series, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina, PhD in biomechanics) breaks down how the spinal support system actually works in ballet. We explore the difference between deep stabilizing muscle
Spine Anatomy For Dancers: Bones
Your spine isn’t meant to be stiff, straight, or locked in place. It’s designed to move, absorb load, and adapt, and understanding its natural curves can instantly change your ballet technique.In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, former professional ballerina and biomechanics Ph.D. Caroline Simpkins breaks down the bones of the spine and explains how each region... the cervical, thoracic
Ballet & Fall Risk in Older Adults: What the Research Says
Falls are the #1 cause of injury in older adults worldwide, but can ballet help?In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Caroline Simpkins, PhD, breaks down her published research in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, examining whether recreational ballet dancers aged 55+ show advantages in key fall-risk factors compared to non-dancers.Using functional mobility tests, leg strength
Building Strong Male Ballet Dancers | Shane Wuerthner
Unlock what it really takes to build strong, resilient male ballet dancers, without “bulking up” or losing artistry. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Caroline Simpkins sits down with Shane Wuerthner (former principal dancer and founder of Athletistry) to talk all things strength training for male dancers and students.We break down the biggest misconceptions about lifting weights, why
Strength Training Benefits For Ballet Dancers | Kendall Baab
Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast, where we bring science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities perform their best on stage and off. In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, PhD, is joined by Kendall Baab, a Los Angeles–based strength and conditioning coach, dance science educator, and founder of Body Kinect.We dive into how strength training can transform ballet technique,
Pointe Shoes: The Athletic Shoes of Ballet | Dr. Jessica Aquino
From studio to science lab, this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast dives into how new vs. dead pointe shoes change lower-extremity biomechanics and muscle activity in professional ballet dancers. Dr. Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, is joined by Dr. Jessica Aquino, DPT, ATC, a physical therapist and athletic trainer specializing in dance medicine, sports medicine, and p
Sports Psychology for Dancers | Lauren Ostrander McArdle
Former professional ballerina Lauren Ostrander McArdle, MS (Sports Psychology), joins the Ballet Science Podcast to unpack the mental side of dance... how to manage perfectionism, channel nerves, and build a reliable pre-performance routine. We delve into injury psychology, explore identity beyond ballet, and discuss practical sport psychology tools that dancers can utilize in class, auditions, an
Mastering Pointe Shoe Fitting | Josephine Lee
Master pointe shoe fitter Josephine Lee (The Pointe Shop) joins Dr. Caroline Simpkins to demystify pointe shoe fitting—from shoe anatomy (box, shank, vamp, wings, platform) to how fit impacts technique, foot health, and injury risk.We cover common fitting mistakes, why pain is a red flag (not a rite of passage), spotting dead shoes, drying/rotating pairs, when jet glue helps, and why a professiona
From Ballet Star to Foot Doctor | Miko Fogarty
Former ballet star Dr. Miko Fogarty joins the Ballet Science Podcast to share her journey from elite performer (“First Position,” YAGP, Birmingham Royal Ballet) to a foot & ankle surgery resident specializing in podiatric medicine.We cover injury prevention, why dead pointe shoes raise risk, alignment tips that protect feet, knees, and hips, and how expert pointe-shoe fitting keeps dancers hea
Why Turnout Is Different for Every Ballet Dancer | Science Says This
What muscles control turnout in ballet? Learn how the hip muscles, tendons, and ligaments work together to create turnout, stability, extension, and control... and why understanding them can help prevent injury. If you’ve ever struggled with turnout, hip tightness, or stability, this episode explains what’s happening inside your body and how to train smarter.Learn how the hip muscles create turnou
Hip Anatomy For Dancers: Bones Explained
Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast, where dance meets science! In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, breaks down the anatomy of the hip joint and explains how your bones, pelvis, and femur work together to support every turnout, arabesque, and développé.Learn how your unique hip structure affects turnout, flexibility, and alignment — and why understandin
Ballet Science & Dance Medicine: IADMS 2025 Conference Highlights
In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, host Caroline Simpkins — former ballerina turned researcher — shares highlights from the 2025 International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Conference in Las Vegas.Caroline recaps her award-winning study on ballet as a tool for fall prevention in older adults and walks through her top five favorite sessions, covering:Neurologi
Ballet & Your Bones: What the Research Found
Why do ballet dancers, who train for hours daily, often face weaker bones and stress fractures? In this episode, we explore new research on bone turnover, estrogen metabolism, and training demands in elite female ballet dancers.Learn why dancers may experience more bone breakdown than bone building, what this means for injury risk, and how science can help protect bone health and extend dance care
Ballet Burnout & Dancer Mental Health: What the Research Says
Ballet is known for beauty, discipline, and control… but what’s happening behind the scenes? Today, we break down scientific research on mental health in professional ballet dancers. Discover the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, and what these findings reveal about the pressures of elite performance environments.Learn why sleep is critical for both menta
Knee Anatomy for Dancers: Menisci
Discover the vital role of the menisci in knee anatomy and why they matter for dancers. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, former ballerina turned researcher Caroline Simpkins explains how the menisci support shock absorption, stability, and injury prevention, essential knowledge for dancers, athletes, and anyone who moves.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model o
Knee Anatomy for Dancers: Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments
What do the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the knee actually do, and why are they so important for dancers? In this Ballet Science Podcast episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down how these soft tissues work together to power movement, protect the knee, and prevent injuries. You’ll learn how quad dominance develops, why hamstring and glute strength matter, how tendon overuse leads to jumper’s kn
Knee Anatomy for Dancers: Bones
Discover the inner workings of the knee joint in dancers with the Ballet Science Podcast! In this episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down the bones of the knee, the femur, tibia, and patella, as well as the menisci, cartilage, and growth plates. Learn how proper alignment, technique, and body awareness protect your knees, prevent injuries, and support long-term movement health. Perfect for dancers,
Foot & Ankle Anatomy for Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments Explained
Dive into the anatomy of the foot and ankle with Ballet Science! In this episode, we explore the key muscles, tendons, and ligaments that keep your feet strong, balanced, and injury-free. Learn about the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf muscles), peroneals, tibialis anterior, intrinsic foot muscles, Achilles tendon, FHL tendon, extensor tendons, ATFL, deltoid ligament, and plantar fascia. Perfect fo
Foot & Ankle Anatomy for Dancers | Bones Explained
Explore the incredible structure of the human foot with Ballet Science! In this episode, we break down the 26 bones of the foot, including the hindfoot (talus and calcaneus), midfoot (navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms), and forefoot (metatarsals and phalanges).Learn about the medial, lateral, and transverse arches, the sesamoid bones, and how foot alignment impacts balance, jump power, and overall
Dancing Through Thyroid Cancer
In this episode, I share my journey with papillary thyroid cancer, which began while I was still dancing professionally and preparing to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Now, as a researcher and a cancer survivor, I want to help others recognize the early signs and know what to expect if they receive a papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis.Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo photo: Richard
Gillian Murphy's Final Swan Lake at American Ballet Theatre
In today's special episode, we reflect on a major moment in the dance world. After nearly thirty years of unforgettable performances, the great ballerina Gillian Murphy has taken her final bow with American Ballet Theatre, marking the end of a truly extraordinary era.Gillian's retirement closes a chapter defined by technical brilliance, emotional intensity, and a stage presence that left an indel
Dancer Nutrition & Body Image: What the Research Shows
Dance is a world of strength, artistry, and discipline… but behind the scenes, there are real challenges that don’t get talked about enough. Today I break down new research on body image, nutrition knowledge, and eating behaviors in collegiate dancers.Here’s what the study found:Many dancers lack basic nutrition knowledgeA significant percentage are at risk for disordered eatingBody image percepti
New vs Dead Pointe Shoes: Injury & Performance Effects
Discover how new vs. worn (dead) pointe shoes impact a dancer’s balance, muscle activity, and injury risk in this Ballet Science Podcast episode. Former professional ballerina and researcher Caroline Simpkins breaks down the latest research on pointe shoe biomechanics, sway, and ankle stability. Learn why replacing worn shoes matters for performance, safety, and longevity in ballet.Publication dis
Ballet & Multiple Sclerosis: What Research Says
Can ballet help improve balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)? This video explores a fascinating research study investigating how a targeted ballet training program may help reduce ataxia and improve balance in individuals with mild to moderate MS. This research highlights how ballet can be more than an art form... it may also serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and neurological t
Your Walking Pattern Exposes Your Ballet Training | Here's Why
How do ballet dancers walk compared to non-dancers? In this episode, we break down the biomechanics of gait, balance, and stability using real research. Explore findings from my own study comparing professional ballet dancers to non-dancers during normal walking.You’ll learn how ballet training influences step length, step width, walking speed, cadence, and dynamic gait stability... and what that
When Is a Dancer Ready for Pointe? Ballet Teacher & Science Insights
Join the Ballet Science Podcast with Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina and researcher, as we wrap up our two-part series on pointe readiness. In this episode, Caroline shares her personal perspective as a ballet teacher and researcher, explaining what teachers look for before allowing dancers to begin pointe work.We cover key factors including:Physical readiness: ankle, foot, and core strengthAn
When Should You Start Pointe? | Science Says This
When a dancer goes en pointe, the ankle experiences forces up to 12-13 times their body weight, significantly elevating the risk of injury. This video explains how proper ankle strength and ballet training are crucial to mitigate ankle pain. Understanding these forces helps every ballet dancer prepare safely for pointe work. Research shows that dancing en pointe can place up to 12-13x body weight
How Ballet Changes The Way You Fall | New Biomechanics Research
In this episode, we explore how recreational ballet helps older adults improve balance, reduce fall risk, and react faster to unexpected slips. Learn about the neurobiomechanical mechanisms behind ballet training, including recovery steps, trunk control, and muscle activation, and discover why dance could be a fun and effective approach to fall prevention.What you'll learn:How ballet dancers outpe
Ballet & Fall Prevention: How Dancers Recover from Unexpected Slips
In this episode (Part 2 of 3), we dive into the pilot study I conducted on fall prevention in professional ballet dancers.We explore:How ballet dancers respond to unexpected standing slipsDifferences between dancers and non-dancers in balance, trunk control, and recovery stepsWhat a pilot study is and why it’s important for larger researchHow ballet training may enhance reactive balance and reduce
Ballet & Fall Prevention: How Ballet Training Improves Balance
Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast! I’m Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher. In this first episode of our three-part series on ballet and fall prevention, we explore how ballet training can enhance balance, stability, and overall fall risk reduction for dancers and movers of all ages.We’ll cover:Why falls are a major concern, especially for older adultsHow ballet strengthens
From Pointe Shoes to PhD: Caroline Simpkins | Podcast Trailer
Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast! Learn about my journey from dancing in pointe shoes to earning a PhD in kinesiology and launching a podcast that bridges the worlds of ballet and science.I talk about how my experience as a professional dancer and ballet teacher inspired my research on fall prevention and biomechanics, and how this podcast will explore the science behind ballet, injury preven
